0 comments/ 9558 views/ 3 favorites Rise of the Roxo Girl By: Egmont0409 CHAPTER 1 Out of work actress Beau Brooke (24) learned what it was like being a battered woman. The guy she'd been living with arrived home drunk late just after 10:00 and reacted angrily when he found his dinner in the trash bin. He pulled Beau out of bed and mauled her. Responding to her screams two men in the next apartment rushed in through the open door and their intervention saved the young woman from possibly severe injury. Beau was taken to A&E by ambulance and the police were called and arrested the drunk. Beau, who left town next day with a head wound bandaged and her left arm in plaster, had refused to lay a complaint when questioned by police. She headed to a much larger city four hundred miles away to disappear from the cowardly Max Ritter. Months later she learned her first real lover had been killed in a fight over a woman. She shed no tears for the late Max Ritter. So far Beau had experienced mixed times in life. She was born a sickly child but gradually grew more robust and aged eleven was runner-up in the regional junior gymnastic championships and rarely had a sick day again. Beau dropped gym and became an age-group tennis champion and also began to excel in drama, taking child roles at the city's Little Theater. About that time she began emerging as a top-stream student. Graduating from Pero College and receiving the President's Scholarship Award, Beau was declared by popular vote of the 247 seniors graduating as the student most likely to succeed with highest honors. Now on two agents' books as an experienced actress available for TV ads and about to be auditioned for second female lead in an upcoming production at the Academy Theater in Sean City, Beau sighed and thought the confidence those graduating seniors voting for her had been so misplaced. She was all but washed up, struggling to establish a career that had seemed to be beckoning her at college and university where she gained major acting awards over four years. If it hadn't been for those awards and graduating MA in Theater Arts, she may well have been washing dishes in a restaurant. Gina Livingston her roommate was day manager at a restaurant. She arrived with some salmon fillets and a container of potato salad and mixed lettuce salad from the restaurant kitchen. Neither of the young women liked cooking. "Why the wry smile honey?" "I was thinking at high school I was declared the senior most likely to highly succeed." "Well just be patient and do something about it." "Like what?" "Make the right contacts should be a priority." "Yeah, we were taught that. Can we talk about something else?" "I'll prepare dinner while you get the Martinis." When they were eating Gina said, "Denis thinks you ought to get out more. He wants me to bring you to a restaurant Saturday night and he'll organize a pal to make it a foursome." "Denis knows why I'm off men." "This guy is older, creative director at an ad agency, married but his wife is having time out with her mother. I was told he'd pose no threat to you." "Okay." "So just like that, no fight to get you to say yes?" "God back off will you. I did say yes." "Oh, so you did. I'll call Denis with the good news later." * * * Gina sent Beau back to her bedroom to change into something sexy. "You look like an old woman dressed in jeans, shirt and that poncho. And put on more make-up." "We'll be late." "These men are old enough to know they have to wait for women." "You ought to be in theater Gina, comedy." They both laughed. Gina licked her lips when her roommate re-emerged. "Oh I say, if you do it with women I'm available. You look quite beautiful when you wash up." "Don't trip over your pile." "Pile of what? "Pile of bullshit. Didn't you see that one coming?" "I was still awestruck by your beauty." Taking her pal by the arm Gina said, "Come on dummy. When you're being fucked tonight please shove a pillow over your head to muffle the screaming." "I'm not noisy when having sex." "Oh yeah?" Denis nudged Gerald on the shoulder as the two women entered the restaurant. Denis was still gaping when they reached the table and the men stood. "What?" Gina asked. She and Gerald had met a couple of times at bowling. "The Roxo Girl." "Beau, Gerald here is confusing you with someone else. Beau Brooke this is Gerald Setter. "Hi, what do you do Beau?" "Nothing. Currently I'm out of work." "She's an actress. I told you that," Denis sighed. "You're looking really great tonight you two. Where are my kisses?" They both kissed him and Gina kissed Gerald while Beau slid into the chair beside him. "Can you come in for a screen test in the morning?" Beau looked at Gina who said thoughtfully, "Something's come up. He's talking possible ad work." Beau said he should tell her more. "How do you feel about condoms, I mean talking about them, um publicly?" "Unfazed I would suspect but I lack real world experience in such conversation." "We have searched far and wide, spending hours and hours looking at mugshots, film clips and talking to agents about upcoming potential faces of note and we are frustrated with what we've hauled in so far." "So you want me talking condoms while you have me photographed?" "God you have brains as well. Both still shots and screen tests. Our major client is preparing to launch a Roxo Girl marketing thrust to go nationally. Roxo is a name change for one of its brand of condoms and the Roxo Girl will aim to encourage guys to pack Roxo wear." The girls giggled and Gina said, "Roxo wear? Actually that's quite catchy." "We think so too Gina and thank you for that piece of unsolicited market research." Beau said in a fruity voice, "My man never goes anywhere without his trusty Roxo pack." Gerald threw her a startled look, pulled out a pen and wrote on his napkin. Beau said, "I'll front up tomorrow Gerald providing we quit this topic now. Half the restaurant is listening to us." Gerald looked around and nearby diners looked away, most of them smiling. Later standing outside the closing restaurant Gerald gave Beau his business card and said 10:00 would be fine and asked her to wear jeans, boots and a sexy top. He kissed her, kissed Gina and said he was off. Walking the half-mile home with the women Denis said, "If you won the contract would being associated with condoms harm your career?" "Not unless I wore one over my head and breasts," she said. She and Gina screamed in laughter. Beau recovered and said, "That was a very sensible comment Denis and I thank you. If the campaign really took off and I was the Roxo Girl known throughout the land I'd think I'd be halfway to becoming a celebrity. TV and newspaper and radio interviews and being paid to be guest speaker at the Condom Annual Convention and other stuff like that. Perhaps I could make a million by endorsing the Beau Brooke Slim Line Condom... no just joking." Denis persisted. "So you think such a contract will produce career-enhancing opportunities?" "Yes and if it really takes off Gina I'll ask you to be my manager." "Me?" "You have a bachelor's in business and that study gave you some marketing insight. I could employ someone to coach us on marketing." "You are really serious about this aren't you?" "Yes Denis. I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm discussing possibilities. But first I need to win a contract. I ought to have gone home with Gerald tonight and allowed him to practically go blind banging me." "Hey slumbering Beau is coming alive at last," Gina laughed. "I sensed you possessed considerable potential darling. Gerald has pushed your button." * * * Gerald was at a management meeting when Beau arrived at his office. His well briefed PA said good morning, introduced herself as Cilla and after taking a searching look at Beau led her through to a studio. She'd muttered, "Great choice." Beau absolutely loved it. The photographer, cameraman and director were all guys and they teased her no end. She hadn't enjoyed male company like this for such a long time. They had finished and were drinking coffee when Gerald arrived. He greeted everyone and went straight to Beau and kissed her like an old friend, the other three guys watching closely. "Were you treated well?" "Yes they guys are great... clowns but appear to know what they are doing." "Through to the screening room everyone," Gerald called reaching for his phone. Two male senior executives and a beautiful female vice-president entered and Gerald introduced them to Beau. They scrutinized her and she almost squirmed. "Let's have samples of the stills first," Gerald called. Beau knew instantly they were the best photos ever taken of her. She now realized why the director had fussed so about the way she'd sat or stood, the angle of her face and position of her shoulders and especially her hands and the time they took with the lighting. When the shot was screened of her with her thumbs hooked into the top of her jeans and a fan blowing her hair untidily she heard the VP say, "Jesus." When the video footage ran the director called, "This woman is an actress. I decided to let her follow instructions unrehearsed. Beau appeared inconspicuous when she faced the camera and turned both ways for profiles and when walked away showing little swing and a great butt, something not all women can pull off in tight jeans. The static voice tests and a few hand gestures then followed but everyone politely didn't yarn. Charlie the director said casually, "Now folk I believe this is what we have been looking for. Once again I simply gave full instructions with no rehearsal. I wanted us to assess Beau's potential. Here goes." Beau walked on-camera and with a big smile, "Even astronauts and top FI drivers feel something's missing without a pack of Roxo Girl in their breast pocket." For the next scene she was squatting, something many women cannot do elegantly. She pushed back her brunette fringe and said, "I left Bozo back in the jungle when he confirmed he had plenty of ammo for his rifle but forgot to pack Roxo Girl. How stupid. I was uneasy, knowing we weren't fully protected." The audience, including Beau laughed. "Now for the final clip," Charlie said. "None of this was scripted. I'd just asked Beau to say something, anything, to allow us to test voice levels and for her to exhibit voice control. She decided to make it appear realistic." Beau walked in on her high heels but dressed only on bra and tiny boy shorts. She turned slowly stroking a breast. "No honey, I'm not unlocking the door until you are packing Roxo Girl, even if you're my husband." Those around Beau rolled about in laughter. Anxious that she might have gone too far she hadn't laughed but at that outburst of hilarity began to relax. The lights went on and Gerald said, "Thanks Beau, well done. Go now and I'll be in touch. Pick up your casting check from my PA." "Brilliantly done Beau," smiled the VP. Cilla handed Beau her check. "You've done well. They are staying to analyze your testing rather than rushing off to their offices and they do most times." Out on the sidewalk, her pulse-rate still high, Beau called Gina. "Oh high darling. Have you signed your contract?" "Um no but there is a meeting. How can you be so optimistic?" "Because the casting is so you darling. I believe they all know that already. Come here for lunch on the house. I'll eat with you. We'll remember this day." Their chicken salads arrived just as Beau's phone went. "Oh god, Beau said. "You and mom are about the only two people who call me." Gina had her hand over her mouth and he eyes looked huge. "Yes." "Hi babe, it's Gerald. We found you okay and have just had a response back from the client and his team. We emailed them the pix and clips. They want you sighed up without delay. Come in here with your attorney as soon as you can." "I'll be there in an hour Gerald and will you please sit by me as my adviser. Thanks for everything." Gina gasped, "Tell me. Tell me everything." "I need a pee," Beau said, rushing off but shouting, "I'm in!" Obviously Beau was on a mini roll because two days later she was told she'd won the part of Rebecca, an abandoned young mother of two and daughter of the heroine in the controversial play about a dysfunctional family. At the same time an agency placed her in a half-day role of a newspaper's circulation drive advertisement that netted her two hundred and ten bucks after the agency had taken it's bigger cut of the fee. That payment was welcomed because Beau had taken temporary work as second maitre d' during peak times of noon to 1:30 and 6:00 and 9;00 at the restaurant where Gina worked. Her $135,000 contact over nine months as the Roxo Girl wouldn't start for another two months. A talent scout, allegedly representing a theater agency in New York, came into Beau's dressing room after a performance of the city's production of 'A Family in Crisis' that was enjoying runaway success following good reviews and word of mouth endorsement. "Darling you are incredibly talented," said Martina Gates, handing across her card. "I think I should be sending you to New York for assessment." "No thanks, I'm busy in this role and the restaurant wants me to stay on and I begin my major adverting promotion soon." "Oh really, what kind of promotion." "Sorry, can't say. It's hush-hush but you'll notice if you remember my face." "But I'm not from this city. I'm just passing through." "As I said, you'll notice me," Beau said. "But we should stay in contact. Take the phone number of my agent." Gina was luxuriating in a perfumed bath reading a really hot paperback when her phone went. "Hi its Gina Livingston." "Oh hi Mrs Livingston. This is Martina Gates, a theatrical agent. One of your clients Beau Brooke has suggested I call you. I watched her performance tonight and was practically spellbound at times." "My client?" Gina said, almost dropping the phone. "Yes, do you have so many you don't recall all of them so readily?" "No I remember Beau... a brunette with a wide mouth, cute breasts and ass and legs to die for." "Yes that's Miss Brooke. Tell me what is so hush-hush about your client's promotional role." "We have been sworn to secrecy." "But you can tell me. What are secrets between women?" "Oh yeah. Well confidentially just between you and me... oh oh, I promised Beau I'd not tell anyone. I'm afraid she will be too busy during the next nine months of the campaign to do anything with you. You have my number. I suggest you contact me in ten months. "You mention nine months. Has Miss Brooke found she's pregnant?" "That would be difficult because she's only occasionally dates just the one guy who is married and refuses to have sex with her, so pregnancy for my client would be rather difficult, don't you think?" "Well these younger women these days Mrs Livingston, one never knows what their sexual habits are. Some do it in the back of cabs or sitting on bar stools." "Sitting on bar stools? Are you sure?" "Well I'm only saying what someone told me." Two months later on her way to work Gina bought the just-out Urban Babe magazine and flicking through it while having coffee before starting work gasped, looking at the full page picture of Beau in bra and tiny boy shorts with her hair flying in all directions. The single line of text simply stated, 'Introducing the Roxo Girl." She sent her coffee cup flying reaching for the phone. "Wake up Roxo. Go out and buy a copy Urban Babe." "I already have it," Beau yawned. "You had gone by the time I returned. I was told it would appear in UB mag first, twenty others to follow. A quarter page ad appears in all newspapers tomorrow morning. "Gina wailed, "But darling they haven't included your name." "No need according to Gerald. He says give the public a face and surround it with mystery people and why would they bother to try to find out who you are when they can sit back and wait for TV to do it for them. I'll see you in three hours. Bye baby. You like my pic huh?" "Ohmigod Beau, if only you seduced women!" Beau cut the call smiling. Her phone went. "Hi Miss Brooke. It's Gloria Meek of Channel 9. I did a profile on you for our Art and Theater program three weeks ago." "Of course I remember you Gloria and you did me proud. How may I help you?" "Well Miss Brooke..." "Three weeks ago you were calling me Beau." "Um yes Beau. Well there's a national TV alert calling for a WTF response and an image of you from today's UB mag." "What does WTF mean?" "Who the fuck is this woman?" Beau giggled. "Oh I see. Okay the campaign anticipated this response but probably not so soon." "Could you come to the studio for a brief interview? Our top interviewer will be called in. We need to get this onto networks in time for the midday news." "Okay but you found me Gloria. I'll only be interviewed by you." "But Miss Brooke, Miss Daly and our president will take my scalp if I attempted a coup." Beau said patiently, "Gloria I've been waiting for my big break and perhaps it's about to happen. You found me. The very least I can do is to organize a break for you." "But Miss Brooke... um Beau, you don't understand. There is mystery about this and you are very good looking with a great figure. This will be screened throughout the country?" "I've been told to expect that. I'll bring the Ad Agency guy who discovered me." "Ohmigod yes. I'll tell my boss of your demand and she'll probably call saying you have to be interviewed by Miss Daly." "And I'll tell her if that's the case then I'm off to a rival channel, but leave that for me to tell her. It will have greater impact. We'll be with you in the hour Gloria." "Please look sexy." "Oh I shall Gloria. I've been fully briefed several times about my role in public. Oh we can only talk about me and my excitement, not a word about what this campaign is about." * * * Beau and Gerald sat in the studio facing Gloria who was having sweat removed from her brow by the make-up woman. Smiling Beau called sweetly, "Relax Gloria, it's only TV." "Oh god, you can't say that about national network." "Yes I can Gloria," Beau urged. "Focus now. This is one studio with you talking to two people. Forget about those hangers-on and that woman in white..." "That's Miss Daly." "That woman in white is looking all screwed up because she's thinking she'd looking at you, her successor but keep relaxed about that otherwise it won't happen. Gerald and I will keep tension away from you Gloria because we're nice people." The count down began and Gloria appeared barely nervous as she introduced herself and began, "Three weeks ago I happened to film a segment for an arts program we screened of a lovely woman who today media throughout America are itching to uncover. Here's what initiated the panic to expose the mystery. This advertisement appeared in today's monthly issue of Urban Girl Magazine but I understand this advertisement will soon be everywhere as TV spot advertising, in other magazines, in tomorrow morning newspapers and on roadside billboards. Allow me to introduce this woman of mystery. Hi who are you?" "I'm a two-bit actress Beau Brooke who lives in Sean City, who has spent more time out of work than in it but that's changing. This man beside me is art director at one of our city's ad agency's, Gerald Setter. Mr Setter is being given credit for discovering me, not that I had to be discovered because I have been around for twenty-four years." "Mr Setter, how did you discover Miss Brooke?" "She walked into a restaurant with the girlfriend on a pal of mine." Rise of the Roxo Girl "Just like that?" "Well not quite Gloria. I had viewed perhaps 4000 images of models and upcoming aspiring models, looking for a new face. Some were promising but still I knew the search must go on. I was to dine with my pal and his girlfriend who walked in with her room mate and I just knew I'd found the Roxo Girl." "Ah yes, now what is it about the Roxo Girl?" "You and everyone must be patient Gloria. We have our campaign precisely timed." "Miss Brooke, please give me something, just a hint with do." "Sorry Gloria. "I have been told I'll be vaporized if I tell anyone. You must understand our client wants people to be manipulated like this to give bigger impact." "Impact for what?" "Oh nice try Gloria. Sorry but it's just watch this space. We have been filming and preparing for weeks so the countdown has begun." "Are you happy with the campaign?" "In every way Gloria, gloriously happy. I've never seen so much money coming my way. I'm on on-call on salary and will receive bonuses for everything I do to assist with the campaign but I will not accept money for this appearance because Americans have the right to know." "But you haven't revealed anything." "Just my name sweetie. Let's see where this takes me. Oh in case anyone is wondering, Gerald and I only have a working relationship. He's married." "Oh dear." "Yes Gloria. Mrs Setter is a very lucky woman." Gloria signed off and everyone in the studio clapped... apart from the scowling woman in white. Gerald accompanied Beau to the restaurant for early lunch and was tickled by the sight of the screaming female staff who rushed Beau, having seen the magazine advertisement. "How did it go," asked Beau's agent. "Excellent Gina, the filming went like a dream and the clip will now be saturating America." "Ohmigod and so you revealed everything?" "No and keep your mouth zipped Gina." "Of course, I'm aware I have privileged information. Early customers were asked to standby when all restaurant personnel, apart from some of the male kitchen hands, gathered in front of the restaurant's big TV screen. Amazingly the piece about Beau was the third item screened. The newsreader intoned, "Today's big story is not about murder or mayhem. It's actually about one of our citizens, a mystery woman, who has captured the interest of newshounds everywhere and the call went out to find her. Well this TV station is proud to have done that. Here is an interview by our very own Gloria Meek who's newsclip of her sensational uncovering of the mystery woman is today being screened throughout America. The clip of Gloria's interview of Beau and Gerald with some extra voice-over then screened. The waitresses and kitchen women cheered when the magazine image of Beau was shown and Gina called to diners, "That's Beau who works here as one of our cashiers." Some women left their tables to join the group under the TV screen. After it was over Gina said, "That is simply amazing Gerald. Everyone now wants to know more, pulling their hair out asking what the hell was that all about." "Yeah tough," Gerald grinned. That night at the theater most of the audience gave Beau a standing ovation when she ran on stage for her opening scene and media mobbed her during the interview and after curtain call. The producer informed the cast, "Sorry guys but we are booked in for another ten nights. Booking are going through the roof but it can be only ten more nights because the theater has to prepare for the upcoming ice skating show." When Beau arrived home she found Gina watching a late TV show with two advertising gurus discussing with the presenter what product or service Beau would be promoting. They watched the gurus and giggled. "Probably a secret new Ford crossover vehicle," said one. "It could be a new type of bra or judging by Beau Livingston's legs a new range of stockings," said the second ad man. "You guys are well off the mark," said the presenter, fighting to keep a straight face. "It's probably a new type of toilet pan cleaner." Walking along The Avenue next morning and just before turning off the city's main street to the diner which served better coffee than she could make, Gina boggled at the huge billboard. It displayed Beau Brooke dressed in an almost borderline baby doll nightie, with hand on hip and sucking her thumb. The text simply read, 'The Roxo Girl... isn't she pretty?' "Ohmigod," Gina said, pulling out her phone. About that same time, the son of an investment consultant to the rich and famous in New York riding a cab in from the airport shouted, "Jesus." "Are you okay?" asked the cabbie, anxious not to have Bendon Shelford vomit over the back seat. "Yes thank you. Catch an eyeful of that babe on that billboard." "I do repeatedly sir. She's my wife's pin-up girl. Goes by the name of Beau Brooke." "Where's she from?" "Out west somewhere." "What is this lack of information about... the Roxo Girl. What is Roxo?" "No one knows sir. My wife says she is watching this space." "What space?" asked Bendon, frustrated by the lack of information. "My wife doesn't know sir." Bendon sighed and looked at the high-rise skyline of his beloved city, pleased to be back home. He'd been to Geneva, doing business for his father. CHAPTER 2 Beau and Gina her agent-designate were sprawled on sofas in the lounge nibbling pretzels allegedly created for the diet conscious woman and sipping dry-as-a-bone Martinis. "When can you tell me about the launch?" "Now darling. The first ads appear on TV tonight in a few minutes from 9:30 when impressionable young people are supposed to be in bed asleep after a tough day at kindergarten, grade school or high school. "God you are cynical. I was no longer impressionable when at high school." "None of us possessing half a brain were darling. It comes under some rules TV stations and their advertisers must comply with. Until I became involved with the ad agency I wasn't aware TV stations may screen bared tits but never a penis, even if limp, except on a statue of merit." "Go on, is that why I feel penis-deprived watching TV?" "It certainly is darling. The big announcement is due on this station at 9:45. A few stations, mainly in the Bible Belt, have refused to accept the announcement. "Is the president of the client company making the announcement?" "Something like that. God you made this Martini so dry I'm thirsty. Let's go out and eat at a restaurant with a big screen. You can tell them to stop the music videos and play Channel 9 that will be unveiling the mystery of the Roxo Girl at 9.45." "They won't be influenced by me." "Just tell them my name darling. Apparently I've become quite well known." Gina requested the TV be switched from music video to Channel 9. "You have to be kidding," the hard-faced woman owner said. "Everyone will complain." "My client has requested it." "Oh yeah, so who's your client young woman?" "Beau Brooke." The woman peered at Beau who smiled. "Jesus," said the woman in awe. "It really is the Roxo Girl." They were shown to a premier table and given a bottle of quality complimentary wine. At 9:43 the owner announced, ""Sorry guys we are switching from music video to TV for a big announcement." "What about the President?" a drunk yelled. "No bigger than that," said the owner confidently. "In a few minutes the mystery surrounding the Roxo Girl is to be unveiled. We are privileged to have Miss Beau Brooke here with us this evening." Even the guys appeared interested, looking around for Beau who pulled back the hood of her jacket and waved, causing a big stir through the restaurant and several female patrons rush over to say hi, some saying Beau had become the greatest Roxo Girl ever and that caused Gina to whisper to Beau, "Do older women have anything between their ears?" The restaurant stilled at 9:45 when the TV continuity announcer said, "We now have a special advertisement to run that will surely excite huge interest." Beau appeared on-screen in a snappy pinstriped business suit, white shirt and pink tie with yellow spots and a skirt stopping a foot above her knees. "Good evening America. A few of you know me as Beau Brooke that incidentally is the name my parents gave me. Others of you will know me as the much-publicized Roxo Girl and others will have no interest in my mission and me at all and that's fair enough. Well here goes." "Roxo is the relaunch of a condom. My task as the Roxo Girl is to encourage women to insist their dates pack condoms, any brand of condom in fact and we'll leave it to the guys and gals to judge which brand. It's a very personal choice isn't it? I also see no reason why wives shouldn't have a preference for their husbands to wear a condom. It's really no big deal. From tonight, with the mystery about me unveiled, I be exclusively promoting Roxo-wear. I guess you can all understand my brand loyalty because they are paying me to promote the product. Good night everyone and thanks for viewing this. We have some great ads coming up for you, ads that my director says are hugely entertaining. I certainly am having fun doing them. Saucy but nice is our intent." Beau faded out and the brand name of Roxo-Wear filled the screen. A few people clapped but the restaurant was mainly silent. "Oh god," Gina sighed. The first Roxo ad then ran. It was a variation of Beau's jungle ad. It showed Beau in a jungle clearing with a real hunk of a guy packing two rifles and with crossed ammunition belts over his chest. "Bruno I can believe you're come all this way without packing protection?" "Er just a few times without rubber will be okay won't it?" "No Bruno. Go back to base for your Roxo-wear. No hunk should be without them." "B-but it's a two-day hike back to base." "Fine, let's continue but you're not sleeping in my tent Bruno." "Damn, take one of the rifles to protect yourself Roxo Girl. I'll be back in two days raring to go." The closing shot showed Beau sniffing into a lacy handkerchief waving to her man disappearing into the jungle." "Roxo should be in every guy's back pocket, permanently," she sighed. The restaurant rocked in laughter and the owner switched back to music video. "Ohmigod that was brilliant darling," Gina smiled, patting Beau's hand. "Did you hear them laugh? They felt caught up in it. I'm asking Denis to switch to Roxo if he wants my butt again." * * * In New York Bendon was at his parent's apartment spending a quiet evening with them. They watched the promo and then the commercial. "God what a slut even if she's very beautiful." "I'm intending to bring her home mom." "Oh, do you know her?" "Not yet but you saw her face and body and she obviously has a brain and humor. She's the woman I've been looking for mom. It's her or no-one." "Well fetch her home Bendon. Most of your father and my friends are unlikely to have much idea what she's on about unless they're into anal." Bendon was shocked. He had no idea his mother knew about, um, that sort of carry on. God who was educating older people? His father looked at him and winked. * * * The next evening at his apartment, cuddling one of his regular girlfriends, Bendon watched a news item of the Roxo Girl touring the plant that produced Roxo-wear. Two elderly female plant workers stepped forward and presented Beau with flowers. She hugged and kissed them both. "Gosh, she's so nice. I was under the impression she was such a slut." "I have an open mind Dakota," Bendon said loftily. "God you're speaking as if you fancy her. You'll have no chance. Half of eligible American males plus two-timing jerks will be out to get into her pants." Dakota failed to see the panic jump onto her boyfriend Bendon's face. Next morning after Dakota had gone home he called a pal in advertising. "Al do you have a directory of guys in ad agencies." "Yeah pal but if you want advertising you come to me." Bendon said he wish to locate a guy called Gerald Setter. I recall his name but have no idea where he's located, out west somewhere." "Just wait a minute till I searched my electronic copy of our handbook." "Bingo here we are. He's creative director at a two-bit outfit in some place I've never heard of, Shaun City. Here's the address." * * * Gerald's PA said, "Is this about advertising sir." "No." "Then may I ask about the nature of your business?" "No but I wish to meet with Gerald over lunch at the most exclusive restaurant in your city at 1:00 tomorrow." "Sorry sir but I regret..." "Baby here's my personal website address linked to my father's web pages. Just take a look and call me back huh? My number will be now in your phone book." "Certainly sir." Cilla opened the web page and gasped. She printed it out and the father's main web page and took that in to Gerald. "What's this crap?" "A big time guy from New York who wants to take you to lunch tomorrow." "What for?" "He didn't say." Gerald sped-read the pages and said. 'Jesus. He could be offering me a big time corporate position." "Perhaps but my instinct tells my this is about Beau." "Well let him join the line of hopefuls." "My instinct tells me this is the guy Beau dreams of." "That's crap. We're running an ad agency here not an instinct manufacturing plant. Go finish your finger nails." "Mow you listen to me Gerald Setter. You have exploited that darling Beau to the extremity of your talent, knowing in a month or two she will have outworn her freshness and therefore public acceptance. You must lunch with this guy and find out what he can do for Beau." "Fuck her senseless would be my guess." "Mr Setter!" "Oh god, sorry Cilla. Please call him and book for two at the Sean Club for 1:00 tomorrow. Give him the address. He can get himself there." "Very well and I accept your apology. Really Gerald you ought not talk to me like that. You know I'm Baptist." "Yes and once again I apologize." At lunch the next day Gerald said to the guy in an obviously very expensive white suit and dazzling red tie, "You are saying you want Miss Brooke in New York and told she is your protégé and you're have her placed in work of her preference." "Confirmed." "May I ask why?" "Because I wish to court her with the intention of marrying her but there's no rush to do that." "I bet." "Excuse me?" "I meant I bet Beau would like to go to New York and having a patron." The guys got along well after than and Gerald offered to drive the visitor to the airport. "How long are we from the airport?" "Twenty minutes if we get a good run." "Bendon pulled out his phone and said to a guy he called Philippe he'd be ready to take off in twenty to thirty minutes, no later. At the airport there was a security vehicle waiting for Bendon. "Good talking to you Gerald. You've been responsible for giving Beau a great start to her career. I'll continue your good work. Lovely lunch, bye pal." Gerald watched mouth open as Bendon was taken out to the waiting Lear Jet 40XR. Two days later Gerald lunched with Beau. "Our marketing penetration campaign appears to have peaked last month as we knew it would. The client will soon wave us goodbye or else commission us to try someone else and a new theme. You did say once this theater talent scout was interested in you." "Oh yes, I'd almost forgotten her." "I suggest you give her a call." "But she was talking about taking me to New York." "You've outgrown this city darling. It's either the extreme West Coast or East Coast for you now, or perhaps Chicago." "I have always wanted to go to New York." "Get your agent to make the call Beau. We'll release you from your contact at the end of next month when it will be two-thirds the way through. Your monthly pay check would stop then too if you agree to cancellation as provided in the early exit clause." "Right, I'll agree to cancellation. You have been such an inspiration to me Gerald. I love you like a father." "That's a mighty big tribute Beau. Thank you." That night Beau said to Gina. "I'm heading to New York at the end of next month. Come with me as my salaried agent." "Can you afford it? "I've saved some pay checks and have received huge bonuses. Of course I can. I want you with me darling. You start as soon as you leave the restaurant. It can be early as you like. In the meantime could you give that women theater agent a call. I think she ought to visit us and begin talking details. She'll want a cut. Could you find out how the system works. That's your responsibility darling. Just bill me an hourly rate when doing this work until you go onto full salary." "God I hope this works out." Gina sighed. "Gerald says I'm on a roll. We must believe him if we are to succeed." There was no party, no farewells. Gerald's advice was Beau should just fade off the planet until she emerged in her new role to take people by surprise. At the airport Beau presented Gerald with a very modern gold watch. He boggled. "Christ this must have cost big bucks." "You invested in my career darling; now his payback time." Beau kissed Gerald and his wife. The women had become quite close friends. Before leaving the airport Gerald called the private phone number he'd been given. "Hi Bendon, Gerald Setter from Shaun City." "Oh hi. Good news I hope?" "I think so, Beau and her agent Gina Livingston are about to leave for New York. They are booked into the The Alex for five nights, giving themselves time to find an apartment to share." "Oh, are they...?" "I'd think definitely not. Just great pals." Three weeks later Gina returned home. She'd become homesick and didn't like New York but Beau appeared to be thriving despite Martina Gates failing to contact them as promised but fortunately Beau had not handed over any money. On their first night at the hotel a guy called Bendon Shelford introduced himself and asked to sit with them. They were already eating so agreed and he ordered champagne. But Bendon made no progress with Beau and never would; she just didn't like him. On the other hand Gina though he looked good enough to go to bed with but alas she wasn't invited. "I'm sorry pulling out like this," Gina said, when announcing her desire to return home. "This is not working for me. Thank god you are only renting this apartment." "It won't matter. I think it's time I found a guy to sleep with. It's been too long." "Is it the truth you and Gerald...?" "Yes the absolute truth." "His wife didn't believe your denial." "I know she didn't but we agreed to not talk about it again and began to get along very well. I find it easy to make friends, female friends." "Well just tread carefully if you decide on a male darling but I know you are just not right the right women to sleep with other females. I would have." "I know that darling and thanks for not pressuring me. God it's so invigorating being in Manhattan. I feel it all happening around me and wish to be caught up in it." Gina said, "Those are the very reasons I want out of here." * * * The day after Gina left Beau felt lonely and knew she could lose her confidence if she didn't get going. She went to an Internet Café to look up booking and casting agents and was overwhelmed by the selection available and thought they would all be over-run with wannabes. It was so depressing. Walking along the street she saw a sign saying Theatrical Agent, 1st basement level. "Oh god, not the 72nd floor in an executive suite," she signed. The old lady in reception said, "Sorry miss we at Geoffrey Blake only handle referrals." A fat guy in his mid-forties came out of the office behind the woman and stared at Beau. Rise of the Roxo Girl "Let's look at your portfolio." "I don't have one." "Then your CV." "I've mislaid it." "Ohmigod, the cheek of some women," muttered the receptionist. "Come into my office and you too Vera and close the door behind you." "Remove your dress." Beau knew the guy was speaking to her. "My god Geoffrey. What's gotten into you?" He didn't answer. Beau removed her dress, standing just in high heels, bra and tiny boy shorts. "Do you hip pose." "Ohmigod, I'm out of here." "Stay here Vera. You are my chaperone." "Ohmigod, it's her," Vera marveled. "The Roxo Girl." "Sorry about that," Geoffrey grinned. "We get look alikes from time to time who claim they are someone else and even posses fake papers. No one I've ever met could stand like you just did oozing sex." "Geoffrey!" "I can't do anything for you young lady. I specialize in placing older people into support roles. Here's my sister's address. With her you'll be in the hands of one of New York's finest." "Are you sure?" "Yes he's sure miss. We operate reciprocals with Meridian who is a thoroughbred of theater agency, like her father was. You deserve the very best and because Geoffrey is referring you don't expect to be exploited. We shall follow your career." Beau smiled. "I shall send you opening night tickets when I work up to star or first lead roles, if that is to happen." "Give her our card Vera. We'll expect to see you on opening night within six months." "You're kidding but I like it." "Geoffrey never kids Miss Roxo." Beau handed across her card and left, knowing she'd just had one of those memorable experiences that famous people write about in their memoirs. The offices of Miss Meridian Blake were on the 31st floor of a very smart building, granite and polished brass everywhere. One of the three receptionists stood and said, "Welcome Miss Brooke. It's such an honor having you here. Please follow me." "Hi sweetheart, please call me Meridian. Geoffrey dear was blown away by you. I guess you can see I'm the kid sister," said the woman in her late forties. "Grace please stay. Kindly remove you dress Miss Brooke. Geoffrey urged me to ask to see the pose." Meridian was impressed. "Ohmigod. What do you think Grace?" "Fantastic. Clear the decks for Miss Blake's launching of Miss Brooke's career to mainstream Broadway." "Oh ladies, I really don't think..." "You are not required to think Miss Brooke. You remunerate me to do that for you." "Um ladies, please call me Beau." "Thank you Beau. I have a small drama coaching studio. You'll start there at 9:00 in the morning." "Won't you require me to sign something?" "I'll get a draft contract to you within the next day or two. You should find a reputable attorney to go through it with you and be with your when you face my team at the signing. Go with Grace now to get the address of the studio and the address of my apartment when I want you to arrive at 6:00 this evening for dinner. I want to know everything about you. I'm dropping most of my workload to devote time to you. Obviously you are hoping to get your career really underway. Like you I too have aspirations. I've waited for years to have someone like you enter my office." "Like me?" "Yes Beau. You really have no idea, do you?" "Er no." "You have the sheer presence sweetheart needed for theater and film and I'd expect you have a lot more to reveal." "Ohmigod." "Yes quite and imagine how I feel about you?" "Please don't tell me. Just let what might happen, happen." "Ah yes. Spoken like a trooper Beau." Grace gave Beau the two addresses and whispered, "Don't get over-excited about this but in the eight years I've been with Miss Blake never have I heard her go so completely over the top with an initial audition as she did just now. We have almost 2000 people registered as clients and of course some will also be listed with other agents. Miss Blake has instantly seen something in you, what she terms sheer presence, meaning stage or set presence. I suggest you look that up on the Internet." "Have you had theater training Grace?" "I have a BA in Fine Arts (Theater) and have stage experience but there is just so many people with huge talent in this city I just never made it. This is my life now. I accompany our clients to auditions and after that for initial introductions. I'm becoming well known and have a huge number of contacts and one day may be invited to become Miss Blake's partner." "Girls this is Miss Brooke." "The Roxo Girl," said the young blonde at reception. "This is Justine and our young blonde is Maxine. Miss Brooke is about to sign on." "You have an amazing voice Miss Brooke and move so well and maintain your filmed actions without obvious pretence." "Thank you Maxine. I guess that's what training gives you. Are you doing online study for a fine arts degree?" Maxine looked astonished at being asked that. "Yes Miss Brooke and Miss Blake is generous about giving me time off to attend block course practical sessions in acting." CHAPTER 3 Meridian's town house overlooking St Nicholas Park in Chelsea had been renovated fairly recently. They sat drinking white wine, Meridian telling Beau the house had been purchased new by her late parents as a retirement home. "It's lovely and reasonably near your office." "Yes I walk everywhere within five miles. I lease out the garage." Beau found out how Meridian followed her father into agency, starting as his PA and then becoming his junior partner and they buying out the business. She then began questioning Beau, making notes after asking for permission. They walked through the park before returning to the house for chicken pasta followed by a lemon tart, all beautifully cooked. "Where are you living?" "Not far from here, a pricey two-bedroom rental condo in West Village. I hope to attract someone to share but am in no hurry to do that. I'm financially well-heeled at the moment but am itching to get into steady work." "Well I can do that for you. Tell me, do you wish an easy ride or do the hard grind and benefit from that as you mature into acting." "I've never back-off from work that I know will benefit me." "Good," Meridian said. "Well work you through blood, sweat and tears. Three months, five days a week, 9:00 through to 2:00 and the rest of the day is yours." "I can worker longer if required." "My desire is to work you in, not burn you out. Follow my proven regime and you'll do fine. Agency is only part of my life; I've been a part-time drama coach for twelve years. Before that I acted, starting at the age of seven." "I want your very best Meridian. Let's talk money." "Those three months require no money to be paid over. I shall live off you for the remainder of your working life or until you terminate your three-year contact with me. I'll take a percentage of your earnings, as you and I agree." "Make the percentage fair and I'll easily agree." The doorbell went. Meridian checked the monitor and said with surprise, "Oh it's my son. There was a buzz and she said into the microphone, "Come to the dining room darling." Beau said, "Son? I assumed being referred to as Miss that you'd never married." "And that's true darling. I was popped one night at a party by a couple of guys who were only vaguely known to me and I was in no mood to find out when discovering I was pregnant. Nelson knows but we find no need to talk about it." A handsome guy with wavy dark blond hair entered. Beau thought he looked her age, or perhaps twenty-five or six. His smile was big until he saw Beau and he gaped. "Jesus, you're the Roxo Girl." "Past tense, was. Meridian is taking me on, with special attention." "That's great, I'll see more of you." "Beau is recently arrived so knows no one in Manhattan Nelson and she'd looking for a roommate. Have you found a new apartment yet?" "No." "Well perhaps when you take Beau to a movie tomorrow night you could talk about your housing needs further. All I've done is complete the preambles. I guess you were unaware when arriving I could conjure up a date for you?" "I have Jane and sometimes Jennifer." "I like neither of them Nelson. I do like Beau." "Beau I'm sorry. You don't choose your mother." "It's okay Nelson. My mom is somewhat keen on intervention as well. It's only a movie not marriage. Just let me know when it's convenient." "Nelson is living in West Village but is on notice to quit. He'll walk you home this evening." "Mom!" "What? Get yourself a beer and open a bottle of wine for us." * * * Meridian waved them off, looking very pleased, probably because Nelson had already taken Beau's arm. "You are very beautiful Beau." "Thank you. Are you going to kiss me?" Nelson didn't wait to debate that question. He swung around and kissed her. "You kiss great." "Thank you kind sir. Are you afraid of me?" He hesitated before saying no, he was just a little in awe. "You are so beautiful and so talented." "So you know about acting?" "I grew up with it all round me and was a child actor but dropped it when going to high school. However I took drama at college and went on to university to complete a master's and now am back at my old college as a junior drama instructor. I see you often on TV in ads, acting so naturally and that is so difficult to do. Even when being interviewed you exhibit this engaging presence. You know what?" "What?" "Please don't tell mom I told you this. To my knowledge you are the only new client she's entertained at home. I bet she has great hopes for you. She's been waiting for years for someone to come along with star quality." "Are you saying I have star quality?" "If it's in you, mom and her team will bring it out. That's all I'm saying and don't get big headed about it because that can be fatal. You must go through the whole learning and preparation curve in order to release your full potential. Please make this your number one rule: I must not become overly precious." "You mean too full of shit?" "God yes, that's the perfect description. Because you are an adult the use of the word precocious seemed unsuitable. How old are you?" "Rising twenty-five." "I turned twenty-six about seven months ago." "Have you been thinking of sleeping with me?" "Yes." "What about tonight." "Do you have condoms?" Beau laughed. "Yeah a few complimentary Roxo ones." "Unused?" "Of course you clown. * * * Standing, both nude, Nelson squeezed Beau's left breast while working up his erection with his other hand. "Oh I'm so eager for this. It's been a long while since I've had sex." "I had sex last night." "Who with, Jennifer of Jane?" "Natalie but don't mention that name to mom. She's one of mom's drama coaches who works with children." "Naughty boy not telling you mom things likely to really interest her." "You don't understand..." "I understand very well. I was just teasing. You appear strong. Lift me up and I'll guide you in. I feel moist enough already. I did say I was keen for this but first roll this on." "God you're a great fuck," Nelson wheezed, temporarily depleted of energy. He sunk to the floor. "I usually aim to please. Call your roommate. You best stay the night because I haven't half finished with you." "Okay providing you ride me cowgirl. I feel about done just at the moment." A couple of minutes later Nelson returned from the bathroom and began dressing. Beau, waiting on the bed with her legs invitingly open asked in surprise, "Are you leaving?" "Yes my roommate Wanda insists I come home, saying my allegiance is to her." Beau, who'd assumed the roommate would be male, had no answer for that comment and sighed, wondering why she'd foolishly insisted he should make that call. "Um will we see each other again?" "Perhaps socially but not like this. You must understand, Wanda is one tough bitch." "Oh god, another piece of drama for my memoirs," Beau said. "What was that?" "Nothing. Shut the door properly on your way out." Beau was surprisingly energized next morning when she responded to her clock alarm, showered and dressed. She went out to a nearby diner for coffee and a cottage cheese bagel. A guy who looked dressed for going to the gym or returning from the gym asked politely, "May I join you?" Beau looked around. There were several empty tables but obviously he had a purpose in mind. "Yes of course." "I'm Harry Mews." "Hi, Beau Brooke." He grinned, "Haven't you heard of me?" "Sorry, haven't you heard of me?" They both laughed and said he'd been raised in Nebraska. "I run the hugely popular Sunday night 'This Really is Show Bus' on the second largest network." "I don't watch much TV apart from a couple of girly shows. I must take a look at your show this Sunday." "Thanks. You must be new around here?" "I shifted in a fortnight ago and start work today." "As a business exe?" "I wish, that would be easier." "You look familiar." "Naughty boy. That pick-up line was used in my grandmother's day." He laughed, showing great teeth and his blue eyes lit up. Beau thought this was more like the kind of guy she envisaged for a domestic partner. He was probably married with four kids." "It was lovely talking to you Harry. I must fly. We must do this again." He looked surprised. "I'm off to the gym. You may join me if you wish. They give new people a trial day." "No work calls. Can't be even a minute late on my first day." * * * Harry Mews eyed Beau's departing butt and wondered what it would be like to playfully nip those curves. He'd largely had not enjoyed New York women, and most were a little too forward and too hard for a country boy. Although many had not been originally from New York it seemed that the environment hardened them. As for the mothers of city born babes, Jesus. They made his mom appear the softest mannered female on the planet. He yawned as he finished his steak sandwich and went off to the gym. When he was warming up on one of the bikes, celebrity TV presenter Marcy Stockman came in beside him and yawned, "Hi Harry." He made a kissing gesture and drew a smile. Marcy had some softness but unfortunately she was also married. They complimented each other about recent TV performances and during a lull Harry said, "Does the name Beau Brooke ring a bell?" "Yes the Roxo Girl." She glanced at the dismay on Harry's face and laughed, "Oh darling, you haven't let her slip through your groping fingers have you?" He now looked annoyed and that gave Marcy his answer. "Is she here in Manhattan?" He nodded. "Around here?" He sighed and nodded and said neighborhood was big area in any part of New York. "Think Harry, where did you see her?" "I met her in the diner just down the street." "And you talked to her and didn't match her name with who she was?" "Marcy don't be too hard on me. I'm just a guy." "Oh yeah, right. Well keep going back to that diner for a few days around that time." "She was starting work, first day, and was keen not to be late." "So she starts work at 9:00. What does she do?" "I didn't ask." "But you told her what you do?" Harry nodded. "God you men who lazily allow women to make all the conversation." "She is very beautiful Marcy and moves like a dream." Marcy laughed and said Beau was probably here for drama coaching, that there some drama coaching schools in the area. "How many?" "I have no idea. Just maintain a stakeout at the diner Harry if she's that important to you. She's probably here for the long haul, to break into New York theater." "Do you really think so? God you are great Marcy," Harry said, jumping off his bike and kissing her. I'm off to lift weights. Yippee." That afternoon at work Marcy dropped in on her friend Chesney, head of drama production. They kissed and Chesney called to her assistant to fetch two coffees. "Two days ago you were expressing frustration that your department had not found the perfect face for Princess Althea when she is reincarnated after the murder. Any luck?" "I feel we are getting closer." "Beau Brooke is living here, somewhere near me." "Jesus." Sipping coffee Marcy revealed how she'd found out. "The thickhead. That hunk reputedly seduces anything that moves. Why the hell didn't he ask for her card?" "We know she has presence Chesney. The poor guy was probably over-awed." "I can't believe that. A guy with his reputation would know all women are flesh, blood and bones with deep-seated vulnerability." "God one can tell you write. I'll give him a call and ask that he contact you. I take it he hasn't seduced you?" "Darling, have you any idea how many attractive women live in Manhattan?" They laughed. * * * On Friday, the fourth morning of his stakeout, Harry looked up and saw Beau enter the diner. He jumped up, crashed over a chair and rolled on to the table of two women eating next to him. They screamed. Order was restored and apologies were made. Harry was asked to pay for a new chair. He joined the bemused Beau. "Were you in a hurry to leave?" "I became hyperactive at spotting you." She blushed. Harry couldn't believe it. Women in New York just don't blush; the ability has been lost to them. "I'll buy you another coffee and sandwich," she said. Harry shook his head in wonder. That offer was so unlike a New York woman. It was like seeking the sun on a clear morning in the mountains, a million miles from smog. "My order is already on the way thank you. That was a generous offer. You are very sweet." "Ohmigod, that fall has set your tongue loose. I'd mistakenly thought you were the typical tongue-tied male on the make." "That doesn't sound like me. Would you like to be auditioned with the inside running to play the female lead in the final three episodes of an ambitious TV Theatre production." "Sorry Harry I can't. I'm undergoing intensive drama coaching. My contract says no outside work." "Well who is the boss of the school? My contact will go in with a team to change his mind." "Meridian Blake." Startled, Harry said, "But she only handles..." "Handles what?" "Only the big names groping with difficult characterization or loosing their way and seeking revival. She charges megabucks." "She's not directly extracting a fee," Beau said, "I-I didn't really believe Meridian when she said she'd been waiting years for someone like me to come along." Harry swallowed. "Wait till Chesney Brown is told that. She'll wet her pants." "Chesney Brown the playwright?" "Yes, she's head of drama production at WPPOA-TV. How do you know her?" Beau smiled, "Everyone who takes drama has at least one of her plays to study." Harry dug out Chesney's card and asked Beau to call her and if a role was offered said Chesney would negotiate with Meridian Blake. "What's the role?" "It's an eight-part series and production has already started. The lead is a princess who is brutally murdered in Part 5. She returns in Part 6, reincarnated and even more beautiful than before and begins to plot the demise of those who conspired against her to wrest control of her throne she was soon to inherit from her father." "Wow, sounds good. Is it interplanetary or here on Earth." Harry said, "England sometime in the 17th century." "Ohmigod, the costumes will be sumptuous." "Who cares." Harry frowned. "What about the story?" * * * Chesney's throat tightened as she watched Beau approach. Chesney said to the director of the production, "If this is not Princess Althea I'm a big fat cow. Now remember I do not interfere in casting decisions." Rise of the Roxo Girl "Oh no of course not," said Milly, unable to completely hide her sarcasm. As it happened, any need for interference was negated. By the end of lunch Milly had been totally won over and knew she was talking to her reincarnated princess. After Beau departed, told she'd made a big impression, Milly who knew Meridian socially as well as professionally called her. The PA said Meridian could see them in fifteen minutes but only for ten minutes. "Right sorry girls, we must do this quickly," said Meridian. "What is it?" "You booked Wendy through you to play Princess Althea," Chesney said. "Well I had a rethink about my script and detected a sag two-thirds of the way through so recast that part. Althea is now murdered and returns reincarnated to take revenge. She is now extremely beautiful." "God your make-up people will be hard-pressed to achieve that with Wendy." "Yes and that's just it. She'll be fully paid out but we want someone on your books for those last three episodes to play Althea." "Who?" "Beau Brooke." "No. How the hell did you find out she'd signed with me?" "A guy with a false moustache and..." "Don't bother. Do you best to persuade me." Chesney said very carefully, "We know you have Beau under very intense training, doing much of it yourself. We are prepared to have you or your substitute on set role coaching Beau and continuing your own work with her. As director Milly promises minimal interference from our team." "Okay, agreed. I'll talk to Beau and if she's keen, as she will be, I'll have a draft contact to you by 10:00 tomorrow morning. Now I really must go." The two TV women kissed Meridian and left very happily. "As soon as we sign and get control of Beau we get the PR department to make the announcement. If we do this properly Milly it will blow our ratings through the roof because viewers will be interested if there's more to the Roxo Girl than her looks and body." "Oh I'm make that happen. I'm a mistress of exploitation Chesney. It's my profession." * * * Harry took Beau to dinner that night and was disappointed she arrived almost disguised rather than dressed sexily. "Sorry about my look. Meridian wants me to minimize public recognition. I'm to hit the small screen with a big bang. In the meantime she has my lined up for auditioning for the lead in an off-Broadway play booked for a four-week season. She says this has come a little two early for her preference but it appears I'm gaining momentum without anyone really trying. On the evening of my first day's rehearsal as Princess Althea, Marcy will interview me on 'New York Live'. "Great, that has huge ratings. What did Meridian say about that?" "She sighed and said what the hell; when momentum starts for an actor, just let it be." "Do you agree with that? "Yes Harry. It's the principle of dynamics. Now for something personal, are you in the position to seduce me. I've been told you're not married or going steady." "God how can one have a private life in New York? I thought we'd have to have a few dates before, um, that." "I believe I know you well enough Harry. But if there's something about me that leaves you cold..." "No no. My cleaning lady was in today so my apartment will be tidy. Let's make tonight the big night." "Oh great." "May I kiss you?" "Go right ahead Harry. That has always preceded the shafting in my experience." Harry laughed and said that was a great line. He moved his chair around and then kissed her, long and steadily." "Wow Harry." "Thanks Beau. My pleasure." They just stared across at one another in the elevator as other people were in it. The apartment looked too masculine for Beau but she accepted the reason for that. The night views were amazing. "Um coffee?" "No thank you. Please undress me Harry." On the sofa as Harry got a good rhythm going, Beau lifted her legs on to his shoulders and groaned at the feeling of more sensations. Encouraged Harry stuck a wet finger into her anus and Beau shrieked, "Harry what the fuck?" and creamed over him. He was mortified momentarily until she gave him a huge smile and said, "God you can really fuck." "Ready to go again." She nodded and received a really toothy smile. They later staggered to Harry's bed exhausted, not bothering to shower. When he awoke just after 6:00 he heard the shower going and was napping when Beau flopped over him, still all wet, and cooed, "Ready to go again Harry? "Ooh yeah." She spun round to attend to his dick and with that bulging out her left cheek she pushed back her pussy into the waiting mouth. "Oooh, oooh," she gurgled, as Harry's tongue went exploring followed by two eager fingers. * * * Marcy was interviewed on set. "You look gorgeous Princess Althea." "Why do you say that, are you gay?" Marcy's alarmed reaction indicated this wasn't a scripted or rehearsed interview. "Beau, for goodness sake. You are a friend and know I'm happily married." "I was teasing, simply cutting through the pleasantries and you know how most people in New York appear focused on sex." "No I didn't Beau. According to the Sunday Newspapers you appear to be getting your share. They claim you are living with TV personality Harry Mews." "Indeed and Harry said I could confirm that because he expected you to ask that question. He's such a lovely guy. In case you viewers are unsure which Harry Mews that is he fronts the very popular 'This Really Is Show Bus' on a rival TV channel but I suppose I wasn't suppose to mention the name of the program was I?" "No, bad girl. And don't use that F-word either." "I have never been to France." They laughed and Beau said, "I don't suppose you will ask what is my favored brand of condom?" "No definitely not. What brought you to New York?" "My love of theater and to find someone who could grove me to act exceptionally well." "And?" "By chance I walked into the office of a theatrical agent and just before I was kicked out for not having a referral, Geoffrey Blake came out of his office and recognized me. He said he specialized in representing older people seeking character parts so referred me to his baby sister." "The hugely influential Meridian Blake?" "Yes. And she put me into incubation, meaning full on advanced drama coaching, taking many of the sessions herself. Meridian is so wonderful. She really is star quality." "And you?" "She says she's been waiting all her years as an agent for someone like me to come along. She simply believes I have what it takes. We'll just have to see where it takes me. Well I met Harry at breakfast in a diner and he came over to buy condoms. No, I joke. He'd recognized me and just wanted to say hi." Marcy laughed and said, "I bet." Beau grinned and said, "I thought that too. Harry knew you and knew about your head of drama's despair in the search to find a new face to play the reincarnated Princess Althea and of course that's how things go in the entertainment business, through connections." "And you won that part and tomorrow night you open off Broadway in a lead role. It's all happening for you, isn't it?" "Yes, as Meridian says I have momentum." "What is your role in the month-long play?" "The play is called 'The Deceit of Kirsty Blackmore.' I play the role of Kirsty who's the wife of a clergyman but three nights a week she stands in the city's red light district lightly clad and soliciting." "What for sex?" "Yes." "Oh goodness. But she must wiggle out at the end, having redeemed herself?" "One could arrive at that conclusion." "Oh spoken like a trooper Beau. Now this beautiful gown you are wearing. It must take a week getting dressed and undressed?" "You are daring me, aren't you?" "No, Beau, please do nothing. This show screens in family time." Beau smiled at camera and said, "I just unhook on this shoulder, unhook on this shoulder, wriggle and loll!" As the grown fell to the ground the camera Beau was facing zoomed in. Beau was wearing shoes, lace panties and a white bustier, bulging at the top. "Oh Beau, please say this wasn't rehearsed. My studio heads will be angry if it were." "No it was not rehearsed. I just figured this was an entertainment program so acted accordingly. Everything that ought to be covered is covered so what's the beef? So you think I have good legs?" "You have amazing legs and that's been a revelation. Well thank you rising actress Beau Brooke who today began rehearsing as the new lead in this TV station's annual blockbuster drama series due to start screening in two months. We'll talk more about the series next month and perhaps to Beau again providing she's not banned from appearing on TV anywhere worldwide. Good night everyone. This is Marcy Stockman in New York." "God you were audacious," Macy sighed, standing for her mike to be unhooked. "You are a great interviewer Macy. I found myself just being towed along." "I bet." They laughed and the stage manage came up and said, "Great interview ladies. The print media will now be baying for you Miss Brooke." The stage manager was correct. Marcy spent the next ten days doing interviews for newspapers and magazines and appeared on two shows on radio. "You are going well darling," Meridian advised. "But hold back a little and work on giving the media something fresh. You should now give no more than two interviews a month to avoid becoming over exposed. And don't strip off again. You are not in burlesque." Beau curtsied and said, "Yes Ma'am." Meridian had been sore with Beau at not taking up with her son but then discovered he was living with a woman and there were rumors of other women. So she told Beau, "Please darling, have nothing to do with him. He's just like his father whoever he was." Beau noted that quotation in her diary in case at the end of her career, if there was to be one, she'd be asked to write her memoirs for publication. CHAPTER 4 Nine months later, following great reviews including for her dynamic acting at the brutal and reincarnated Princess Althea, Beau was two nights away from ending her second lead on Broadway in a successful adaptation of a Hollywood film featuring long-term problems arising from childhood neglect. An overweight guy, bearded and in a flashy blue suit stepped in front of her as she entered the bar reserved for the cast after the show. "Miss Brooke, may we talk for one minute." "Yes," Beau said pleasantly, wondering if this guy represented New York mafia. "Did you enjoy the show?" "Yes immensely as did my wife." "Then invite her to join us for a drink." "She's gone with our party to another bar. I'm Kurt Gibson. I make films." "Yes I know you do but the beard is new?" "Yes, I'm growing it in case I am nominated for the awards." "Well the Academy ought to recognize you. Your films have huge impact, being gritty and riddled with spooky mood." "I admire that phrasing." "Thank you. So you want me to appear in one of your films. Isn't this what we have agents for?' "I was told you don't do film. So I've taken this opportunity for the direct approach." "I'm interested and here's my agent's card. I haven't done film because no one has bothered to ask. Come and let my buy you a drink and tell me what are your family interests. We don't want to upset our agents." As Kurt was leaving he said, "I have to tell you this because you'll want to know. Today I purchased the film rights to Chesney Brown's book published ten years ago..." "Eloise." "Have you read it?" "Yes, twice. You see me as Eloise, don't you?" "Absolutely." "One has these thoughts. I read it the second time because I had this strange and possibly arrogant feeling the role was written for me." "And?" "Phone Meridian in the morning at 7:30 before she leaves for work Kurt and let's see if we can combine exceptionally well and get your film some Academy Awards. Will it matter if I marry the guy I'm living with. I'm thinking of asking him." "No. Happily married actresses in demanding roles are just that. Happy." THE END